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SCO' 


S   E    R    M    O  *N^ 


DELIVERED    BEFORE   THE 


OF 

FREE  &  ACCEPTED  MASONS 

OF 

The  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts, 

AT    A    PUBLIC 

Inflallation  of  the  Officers 

of   the 

ComitljiaiT  £oUge, 

At  CONCORD,  in  the  County  of  MIDDLESEX, 
JUNE  2$tb9  1798. 


BY  JEDEDIAH  MORSE,  D.  D. 

MINISTER    OF    THE    CONGREGATION    IN    CFJAXIESTOTTN.  -m^, 

_ ■         _imm.       ,, -.  -^ 


LEOMINSTER,    M/iSSACBOSEXTS, 


'P.INTED    BY    CROTHkR   CHARLES,  $5*   JOHN  PKSiYT/SS,-— 1798. 


TO 
THE   RIGHT   WORSHIPFUL 

faster,  WLmtns, 

OTHER 

©fficers  &  3Sretfjren 

OF 

CORINTHIAN  LODGE, 

THE  FOLLOWING 

DISCOURSE, 

PUBLISHED  AT  THEIR  REQUEST, 
JS  RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED  BY 

The  AUTHOR. 


SERMON. 


HEBREWS  xiii.   16. 


jtVT  fO  DO  COC,D  jgND  TO  COMMUNICATE    FOKGET  NOT  f     FOR  JF1TB  SVCH 
SACRIFICES    GOD    JS    WELL    PLEASED. 


JL  HE  Chriftian  religion  is  as  remarkable  for 
the  fimplicity,  purity,  and  excellent  tendency  of  its 
moral  precepts,  as  for  the  fublimity,  fitne fs,  and  en- 
nobling, irnpreffive  and  animating  nature  of  its  doc- 
trines. All  the  requirements  of  God,  in  refpect.  both 
to  what  we  are  to  believe  and  to  do,  are  flric~lly  juft, 
reafonable  and  kind.  They  are  intended  and  adapt- 
ed to  promote  our  own  good.  Our  happinefs  effen- 
tially  confifts  in  right  affections  and  conduct  towards 
God  and  one  another.  Love  and  gratitude  to  God, 
and  good  will  and  good  works  to  men,  cohftitute  the 
lum  of  our  duty.  The  forme*  are  the  foundation 
and  fpringof  the  latter;  while  Vhe  latter  are  the  fruit 
and  evidence,  to  ourfelves  and  others,  of  the  ttuth 
and  fincerity  of  the  former.  They  are,  when  gen- 
£unes  infeperable,  and  mutually   prove  each  other, 


DR.   MORSE'S 


and  jointly  contribute  to  the  perfection  of  our  nature 

and  happinefs. 

'  Conformable  to  the  foregoing  obfervations, 
we  find  that  our  Lord  has  comprifed  our  duty  in 
two  fhort  commandments  ;  "  Thou  fhalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,and  with  all  thy  foul, 
and  with  all  thy  fhength,  and  with  all  thy  mind,  and 
thy  neighbor  as  thyfeif."  The  whole  law  is  declar- 
ed, by  the  Apoftje,  to  be  fulfilled  by  love.  "  The 
end  of  the  commandment  is  charity,  out  of  a  pure 
heart,  and  of  a  good  conscience,  and  of  faith  un- 
feigned." Oi  the  fame  import  is  the  exhortation  in 
our  text  and  context;  ''by  him,  (I.  e.  by  Jesus  the 
Mediator,  who,  V  that  he  might  fan&ify  the  people 
with  his  own  blood, Differed  without  the  gate,")  "by  hira 
let  us  offer  the  facrifice  of  praife  to  God  continually, 
shat  is  the  fruit  of  our  lips,  giving  thanks  to  his  name. 
But  to  do  cood  and  to  communicate  forget  not;  for 
with  fuch  iaciificcs  God  15  well  pleafed."  The  Apof- 
t\e,  in  this  pailage,  reminds  us  of  our  duty  to.  God 
&nd  one  another.  While,  infpired  by  fupreme  love, 
we  ofFer  to  God  thro'  Christ,  our  unfeigned  ac- 
knowledgements, prayers  and  praifes,  here  called  the 
fruit  of  our  lips,  we  are  not  to  be  unmindful  of  the 
more  laborious  and  expenhve  fervices,  which  we  owe 
to  our  fellow  men.  "  To  do  good  and  to  communir 
cate  forget  not." 

It  will  comport  with  the  fpirit  of  our  text,  and, 

I  conceive,  with  the  defign  of  our  affembling  before 


MASONIC  SERMON7.  7 

God  this  day,  if,  in  the  Firft  place,  we  point  out  fome 
of  the  various  ways  in  which,  as  men,  as  citizens,  and 
as  Chriftians,  we  may  and  ought  to  do  good ;  and  Sec- 
ondly, offer  feveral  reafons  and  motives  adapted  to 
influence  us  to  the  practice  of  this  branch  of  our  du- 
ty- 

I.  I  shall  point  out  fome  of  the  various  ways 

in  which,  as  men,  as  Citizens  and  as  Chriftians  we 
may  and  ought  to  do  good. 

"  God  that  made  the  world,  hath  made  of  one 
blood  all  nations  of  men  to  dwell  on  all  the   face  of 
the  earth."     We  are,  therefore,  to    confider  all   men, 
of  whatever  nation,  complexion,  or  religion,  as  form- 
ing one  great  family,  united  by    the  indiftbluble  ties 
of  nature,  having  a   common  intereft,   which  all   are 
concerned  to  fupport  with   their  utmoft  efforts.      All 
our  views  and  purfuits    mould   confpire  to  promote 
the  general  good.     A  narrow,  felfifh,  fordid  fpirit    is 
no  lefs  baneful  to  fociety,  than  contrary  to  the  genius 
of  our  holy  religion.       No  one  ought  to  be  fo  intent 
upon  promoting  his    own    advantage,    as  to  neglect 
that  of  others,  but  each   fhould  endeavor   alfo  to  do 
what  may  "pleafe  his  neighbor  for  his  good  to  edi- 
fication."   Every   man  owes  a  debt  of  one   kind  or 
another,  to  thofe  around  him.      We   difcharge  this 
debt  when  we   diligently  and  faithfully  employ  all 
our  talents  of  nature,  providence  and  grace,   in  cher- 
ifhing  harmony  and  brotherly   love  among  men  ; — 
in  communicating  comfort  and  relief  to  the   forrow- 


DR.  MORSE'S 


ful,  indigent  and  wretched  ; — in  cultivating  in  our- 
felves  and  diffufmg  among  others  a  love  of  our  coun- 
try— and  in  promoting  pare  and  undefiled  relig« 
ion. 

1.  We  may  and  ought  to  do  good  by  cberifli- 
ing  harmony  and  brotherly  love  among  men.  How 
much  of  our  happinefs  depends  on  harmony  and  the 
prevalence  of  the  kind  affe&ions  in  fociety,  we 
may  learn  from  the  de6r.rucr.ive  and  painful  effects  of 
difcorcl,  hatred  and  malice.  Where  thefe  predomin- 
ate in  any  community,  be  it  frnali  or  great,  the 
fweets  of  focial  intercourfe  are  changed  into  bitter- 
nefs  ;  thebleflings  of  life  are  poifoned  at  the  fountain, 
and  fociety  becomes  a  curfe.  A  Peace  Maker 
among  brethren,  then,  is  a  character  of  great  worth. 
By  exerting  his  talents  and  influence  in  healing  divi- 
fions,  and  calming  the  evil  and  turbulent  paflions  by 
a  candid  and  clear  exhibition  of  truth,  by  foft  and 
gentle  perfuafion,  and  by  feafonable,  judicious  and 
friendly  rebuke,  he  may  do  great  good  to  rpankind. 
Or  luch  characters  our  Lord  manifefts  his  higheft 
approbation :  "  Bleffed  are  the  peace  makers,  fdr 
they  fhill  be  called  the  children  of  God."  An  in- 
valuable reward  is  promifed  to  any  one  who  Ihali 
convert  a  fmner  from  the  error  of  his  way — fitch  an 
one  (hall  have  the  honor  and  fatisfa&ion  of  <£  faving 
a  foul  from  death,  and  mail  hide  a  multitude  of  fins." 

Im  order  to  promote' harmony   and    goodwill 
among  men,  we  muft  each  take  care  that  we  omfelves- 


MASONIC  SERMON,  9 

pofTefs  the  temper  of  the  peace  maker.  How  can 
we  expect  to  be  isttrumental  of  reiloring  peace  and 
brotherly  love  among  the  contentions  and  malicious, 
if  our  own  difpofitions  and  conduct  juftly  fubjecfc 
us  to  the  fevere  retort,  "  Phyfician  firft  heal  thy- 
feif  "?  We  muft  fhow  others  by  our  example,  ax 
well  as  bv  our  words,  what  we  would  with  them  to 
be  and  to  do.  Example  gives  a  weight  and  efficacy 
to  innruclions  and  admonitions,  without  which  they 
are  generally  of  little  avail.  Poffefifmg  a  peaceable 
difpofition,  we  (hall  of  courfe  fludy  how  we  may, 
in  the  mod  effectual  manner,  excite  and  cherim  the 
fame  temper  in  others.  As  an  excellent  mean  to  this 
purpofe,  we  fhall  cherilh  in  our  own  minds,  and  in 
the  minds  of  all  thofe  over  whom  we  have  any  influ- 
ence, a  refpe£l  for  the  character  and  reputation  of 
our  fellow  men,and  a  real  concern  to  do  them  juflice 
in  this  refpedh  In  no  way  is  the  harmony  of  foci- 
ety  fo  frequently  and  calamitoufly  difturbed,  and  the 
kind  affections  compelled  to  yield  to  thofe  of  an  op- 
polite  and  malignant  complexion,  as  by  slander. 
In  proportion  as  this  abominable  vice  prevails  in 
any  community,union  and  love  decay.  This  deltroy- 
er  of  all  focial  enjoyment  muft  then,  as  we  defire 
to  do  good  and  promote  peace  and  love  among  men, 
be  fteadily  and  refolutely  refilled  in  all  its  forms. 
We  muft  give  it  countenance  neither  in  ourfelves 
noY  in  others.     We  cannot  innocently    linen   to,    or 

B 


16  DR-JvICRSE'S 

propagate,  flanderous  reports  and  mifreprefentatio«$ 
concerning  others-  It  is  then  clearly  our  duty,  as 
lovers  and  promoters  of  peace  and  good  will  among 
men,  to  man  if  ell  our  marked  difpleafure  againfl  all 
kinds  of  evil  fpeaking,  and  to  think  and  fpeakas  well 
of  others  as  the  truth  will  permit;  not  keeping  out  of 
view  their  good  qualities  and  actions,  when  we  ar« 
called  in  duty  to  mention  thole  of  a  contrary  kind, 
thus  giving  a  partial  and  falfe  view  of  their  charac- 
ters, and  exciting  unreasonable  prejudices  againfl 
*  them. 

The  indulgence  of  an  uncharitable  difpolition 
towards  one  another,  afcribing  the  woifl  views  to 
thofe  who  happen  to  differ  from  us  in  opinion  c  i 
conduct,  has  been  a  fource  of  great  diforders.  This 
imputation  of  lelfilb  and  finifter  defigns,  produces 
acrimony,  begets  hatred  and  divtfiens,  and  is  follow- 
ed by  many  ferious  evils  to  community.  From  the 
different  organization  of  the  human  mind  and  the 
ilruclure  of  civil  fociety,  it  was  doubtlefs  intended 
by  the  Creator  and  Governor  of  the  world,  that  there 
mould  exifi  a  variety  of  opinions.  "  And  when  thefe 
neither  diftmb  the  pubiic  order,  nor  endanger  the 
public  welfare,  caidor  fhould  give  credit  to  others 
for  the  fame  purity  of  views  which  we  are  ccnfduus 
of  poiTeffing  ourfeives."  The  laws  of  Chriftianity 
have  made  it  our  duty  fo  ef'eem  others  better  than. 
ourfeives,  and  in  honor  to  prefer  gyp  another  ;  to  fup- 
prefs  all  jealous  and  envious  feelings  at  the  prolpev- 


MASONIC  SERMON'.  11 


ity  of  others  ;  and  this  even  in  cafes  where.,  by  their 
advancement  in  honor,  wealth  or  fame,  our  hopes  are 
cut  off  and  we  thrown  into  the  (hade.  We  are  bound 
to  do  complete  juftice,  as  far  as  poifible,  to  the  mer- 
its of  every  man,  whether  he  be  friend  or  enemy,  and 
to  ufe  all  our  endeavors  to  make  "  the  bad  good  and 
the  good  belter."  Other  means  than  thofe  we  have 
fuggefied  are  to  be  ufed  for  the  purpofe  of  cheriin- 
ing  harmony  and  brotherly  love  among  men,  the 
mention  of  which  our  intended  brevity  obliges  us  to 
omit. 

2.  We  may  and  ought  to  do  good  by  communi- 
catine  to  the  comfort  and  relief  of  the  forrowful.  the 
indigent  and  wretched.  In  a  world  like  this, 
overwhelmed  with  wretchednefs  and  farrow,  the  bit- 
ter fruits  of  the  apoftacy  of  man,  much  of  our  cv.uy 
lies  in  administering, in  various  ways,  to  the  relief  of 
our  fellow  men.  The  wants  of  the  poor  muft  be 
fupplied  ;  bread  muft  be  given  to  the  hungry  ;  drink 
to  the  ihirfty  ;  clothing  to  the  naked  ;  the  ftranger 
muft  be  kindly  and  hofpitably  entertained;  the  lone- 
ly prifoner  muft  be  the  object  of  our  compaffion  and 
chanty  ;  the  chambers  of  the  fick  muft  be  frequented 
as  often  as  prudence  fhall  diclati-,  and  their  lorrows 
foothed  and  alleviated  ;  nor  muft  we  forget  that  we 
owe  frequent  and  friendly  viiits  and  charitable  iup- 
plies,  to  widows  and  their  fatherlefs  children.  So  im- 
portant and  neceftary  did  our  Lord  confider  thefe 
duties  that,  in  his  account  of  the  proceedings  of  the 


us  DR.  MORSE'S 


final  judgment,  he  has  made  the  performance  of  them 
the  ground  of  his  awards  to  everlafting  life,  and  the 
neglecT:  of  them  the  reafon  of  his  awards  to  everlaft- 
ing punifhrnent.  And  he  has  encouraged  us  to  the 
practice  of  them  by  the  ftrongeft  poflible  motive,  by 
affuring  us  that  when  we  perform  them  to  one  of  the 
lead  of  his  poor  brethren  in  this  world,  he  considers 
them  as  done  to  himfelf.  It  is  becaufe  thefe  duties 
are  fo  effential  to  the  Chriflian  character,  that  they 
are  inculcated  fo  frequently  and  fo  preflingly  thro'- 
out  the  holy  feriptures.  A  regular  and  upright  dis- 
charge of  them,  we  may  therefore  reafonably  prefume, 
wouid  be  productive  of  great  good  to  mankind,  as  it 
would  enfure  to  us,  in  virtue  of  the  divine  promife 
through  Christ,  an  unfpeakable  reward. 

3.  We  may  and  ought  to  do  good  by  cultiva- 
ting in  ourfelves  and  diffufing  among  others,  as  we 
have  means  and  opportunity,  a  fpirit  of  patriotifrn 
or  love  of  our  country.  Next  to  our  religious  du- 
ties, this,  at  the  prefent  period,  feems  of  all  others 
moft  important.  Our  country  is  affailed  both  by 
Internal  and  external  enemies,  who  form  and  carry 
on  their  wicked  machinations  in  the  dark,  and  by 
the  moft  fubtle  and  insinuating  artifice  and  intrigue. 
In  fuch  a  ftate  of  things  our  bofoms  fhould  glow 
with  the  love  of  our  country,  and  burn  with  fuch 
ardency  as  to  kindle  the  fame  fpirit  in  the  bofoms  of 
all  thofe  with  whom  we  affociate.  By  fanning  the 
flame  of  patriotifrn,  by  waking   up  the  people,  as  far 


MASONIC  SERMON.  13 


as  in  us  lies,  to  a  fenfe  of  their  dangers  and  their  du- 
ties, we  miy  do  much  good,  and  prevent  the  moil 
aweful  calamities. 

But,  in  thefe  revolutionary  times,  the  word  pa- 
triotifm has  been  fo  often  perverted  from  its  true 
meaning  by  impofters,and  claimed  as  exclulively  be- 
longing to  thole  who  poffefs  not  a  fpark  of  it,  that  it 
is  neceffary  to  difcriminate  between  genuine  and 
fpurious  patriotifm  :  and  this  diftin£Hon  is  happily 
drawn  to  my  purpofe  by  an  eloquent  American  pa- 
tiiot,*  in  a  ftyle  of  accuracy  and  elegance  which  cant 
hardly  be  exceeded.  "  When  I  fpeak  (fays  my  au- 
thor) of  this  virtue  (patriotifm)  I  mean  not  that 
rnock  patriotifm  which,  in  all  ages  and  in  all  free 
countries  has  been  feized  on  by  ambitious  dema- 
gogues as  a  cloak  to  cover  bafe  and  infidious  deligns; 
which,  bedecked  with  the  alluring  garb  of  a  tinfel 
jargon,  has  been  afiumed  to  conceal  the  fouleft  pur- 
pofes  ;  which,  under  the  malk  of  hypocrify  and  the 
parade  of  pompous  language,  has  been  ever  found 
fubfervient  to  the  molt  defpicable  felfifh  views ; 
which, at  one  time  has  been  employed  as  a  flepladder 
to  office  and  power,  and  at  another  as  an  engine  of 
deftrucfion  to  rival  popularity  and  obnoxious  com- 
petitors :  I  mean  not  that  mock  patriotifm  which,  to 
the  knaves  has  been  the  fyren  fong  of  feduction  to 
cajole  and  enfnare  the  fools  :  I  mean  not  that  fatirc 
On  patriotifm  which  blazons  its  own  merits  in  rant- 
*Hoa.  William  Smith. 


i4  DR.  MORSE'S 


ing  declamation  and  frothy  profelfions ;  which  draws, 
from  time  to  time,  out  of  non  exiftence,  little  ephem- 
ero'us  infe&s  which  glitter  for  a  moment  in  the  glare 
of  their  own  creation,  and  then  dhTolve  and  fink  in~ 
fo  their  original  nonentity  :  I  mean  not  that  profa- 
nation of  patriotifm,  which,  while  it  utters  from,  the 
lips  the  moft  fpecious  and  devout  ejaculations  for  the 
public  weal,  impioufly  bears  in  the  heart  the  molt 
atrocious  defigns  againft  public  order,  public  tran- 
quility and  national  independence  : — But  I  mean  that 
heaven  born  patriotifm  which  announces  itfelf  in 
deeds  of  public  utility  ;  which  delights  in  the  main- 
tenance of  law,  in  the  fupport  of  order,  in  refpett 
to  the  magiflracy,  in  enforcing  by  precept  and  exam- 
ple every  moral  and  religious  duty;  which  difplays 
itfelf  in  habits  of induftry,  fobriety  and  frugality,  in 
the  virtuous  education  of  one's  family,  and  in  the 
faithful  performance  of  all  the  relative  duties  of  a 
man  and  a  citizen."  Such  a  patriot  is  an  honor, 
an  ornament  and  a  blefling  to  his  country.  Were 
all  mock  patriots  among  us  converted  or  excluded 
from  this  land  which  they  have  too  long  defiled 
withtheir  mummeries  and  their  vices;  could  that 
poifon  and  thofe  prejudices,which  they  have  had  the 
addrefs  to  infmuate  into  many  honed  minds,  be  erad- 
icated ;  and  every  American  citizen  fired  with  genu- 
ine patriotifm,  we  might,  under  protection  of  the 
God  of  Armies,  bid  defiance  to  all  the  attacks, 
whether  fecret  or  open,by  land  or  fea,of  our  infiduoua 


MASONIC  SERMOM.  15 


i?.nd  unprincipled  enemies.  .  As  we  value  our  inde- 
pendence- and  our  civil  and  religious  rights  and 
privileges,  let  us  aipire  after  the  poCfeflion  of  a  lar^e 
portion  of  this  patriotism  Let  us  do  what  wt  can 
to  eradicate  that  peflilential  influence  which  has 
found  its  way  among  us,  and  which  is  preying  upon 
the  vitals  of  our  freedom  and  happinefs.  Let  us 
•  with  noble  intrepidity  and  firmnefs  defend  and  tranf- 
imt  to  pofteiity  unimpaired,  that  liberty  and  inde- 
pendence which  God  hath  given  us  as  a  rich  inheri- 
tance, by  means  of  the  wifdom,  the  treat!: re,  the 
toils  and  the  blood  of  our  fathers  and  brethren.  Thus 
ihali  we  do  good  and  ft: cure  invaluable  bleflings  for 
ourfelves,  our  country,  poflerity,  and  perhaps  ulti- 
mately for  the  whole  family  of  mankind.     But 

4.  In  order  to  effect  the  higheft,  moil;  valuable 
and  lading  good,  we  muft  afliduoufly  cheriih  in  our 
own  hearts,  and  by  all  rrJearns  irf  our  power;  infpire 
and  promote  in  others,  a  Ipirit'cf  true  and  undented 
^eligion.  The  Chriltian  religion,  were  it  not  fane— 
tioned  by  divine  authority,  would  recommeud  itfelf 
^o  all  liberal  and  enlightened  men,  bv  the  excel- 
lence of  its  doftrines  and  the  purity  of  its  precepts. 
Wherever  it  is  cordially  embraced  and  practiced — in 
all  over  whom  it  fheds  rts  benign  influence,  it  foft- 
ens  and  humanizes  the  mind,  fubdues  the  unruly 
paifions,  ameliorates  the  exterior  deportment  and 
manners,  and  unites  its  difciples  in  the  bonds  of 
brotherly  love.        IJiftory  furnilhes  abundant  proof, 


16  DR.  MORSE'S 


and  a  great  nation  exhibits  before  us  a  Handing  and 
aweful  example,   that   whenever    a   people    recede 
from  and  reject   religion,  and  lofe  thofe  habits  and 
reftraints  which  they  had  formed  and  felt  under  the 
influence  of  religious  principles,  they  have    rapidly 
degenerated    into   all    manner   of  licentioufnefs  m 
fentiment  and  conduct,  and  in    the  mofl  abominable 
wickednefs,  till  they  have   funk   into  a    Rate   of  the 
mod   ferocious   barbarifm.       On   the   other   harrd, 
pafl  experience  proves  it   to  be  a  truth  that  in  pro- 
portion as  true   religion   fheds  its   kindly  influence 
over  any  community,  truth,  juftice,  order,  peace  and 
public  and  private  happinefs  prevail.     Great  indeed, 
then  is  the  importance  of  religion  as  it  refpec"is  the 
prefent  life  j  but  its  value  is  unfpeakably  enhanced 
when  we  carry  our  views  into  futurity,  and  contem- 
plate what  is  to  be  our  condition  after  death.     The 
Chriftian  religion  alone  can  reconcile  us  to  death  on 
rational  and  folid  grounds,  and  fill  us  with  joy  at  the 
profpeft  of  immortal  life  and  happinefs.     Confider- 
ing  the  infinite  importance  of  religion  to  our  prefent 
and  future  well  being,  we  cannot  in  any    way  exert 
cmr&Ives  with  a  fairer  profpecl  of  doing   good,  than 
hy  refolving,  each  for  himfelf,  that  we  and  our  fam- 
ilies will  Icrvethe  Lord  ;  and  that  we  willufe  our  en- 
deavors and  influence  with   others   to  do  the  fame. 
Were  the  American  nation,  as  one  man,  folemnly  to 
make,  and  religioufly  to  adhere  to,  fuch  a  refolution, 
what  a  glorious  revolution  would  it  produce  ?  What 


MASONIC  SERMON.  *         17 

a  fifrn  bafu  would  it  eftablilh  for  our  liberties  and 
bur  happinefs  ?  It  would  remove  from  among  us 
every  root  of  bitternefs,  every  feed  of  rebellion  and 
diforganization,  and  draw  around  us  the  protection 
of  the  Almighty  Lord  of  Hosts,  as  an  impenetra- 
ble defence  againft  all  foreign  enemies.  Do  we  love 
our  country  and  defire  (till  to  enjoy  our  lingular  na- 
tional bleffings,  and  will  we  neglect  thefe  ^ure,  thefe 
only  means  of  effectual  defence  ?  God  forbid.  My 
brethren,  whatever  others  do,  let  us  refolve  that  by  our 
prayers,  exhortations,  admonitions  and  good  exam- 
ple, we  will  do  all  we  can  for  the  good  and  fafcty  of 
our  threatened  country,  Patriotifm  unites  her  voice 
with  that  of  Chrillianity,  in  urging  us  to  the  practice 
of  thefe  duties.     Ke  who  nedects  them  at  a  crifis  fo 

o 

interesting,  neglects,  under  aggravating  circumftances, 
to  do  good,  and  acts  a  part  mod  unfriendly  to  his 
own  happinefs,  to  his  country  and  to  his  God. 

Having  pointed  out  feveral  ways  iri  which  we 
may  and  ought  to  do  good,  I  proceed 

II.  To  offer,  in  a  fummarv  manner,  feveral  rea- 
fons  and  motives,  adapted  to  influence  us  to  the  prac- 
tice of  this  branch  of  our  duty.  To  this  amiable  and 
Godlike  practice  of  doing  good,  one  would  hope,  for 
the  honor  of  human  nature,  we  mould  need  but  little 
perfuafion. 

1.  By  doing  good  in  the  feveral  ways  we  have 
defcribed,  we  (hall  do  our  part  towards   harmonizing 

G 


18  DR.  MORSE'S 


a  jarring  world,  calming  and  fubduing  the  disorderly 
and  malignant  paflions  of  men,  and  cherifhing  that 
brotherly  affection  which  ought  to  glow  in  every 
bread,  and  cement  the  whole  human  race. 

2.  By  doing  good  and  communicating  to  the 
comfort  and  relief  of  the  needy  and  difconfolate,  we 
gratify  the  noblefl  inclinations  of  our  nature.  The 
calamities  and  forrows  of  our  fellow  men,  when  they 
fall  under  our  own  eye,  or  within  our  knowledge, 
naturally  excite  in  all,  whofe  minds  are  not  callous 
to  the  feelings  of  humanity,  fuch  emotions  as  cannot 
be  fatisfied  or  foothed  without  cheerfully  fttetching 
forth  the  hand  of  charity  ;  or,  if  they  need  not  this 
kind  of  aid,  or  we  are  unable  to  give  it,  we  cannot 
withhold  the  melting  look  and  tender  tear  of  commif* 
eration,  or  the  kind  word  of  comfort.  This  difpofi- 
tion  to  fympathife  in  the  diftrefTes  cf  ethers,  to  "weep 
with  them  that  weep,*'  is  a  wife  provifion  which  God 
hath  made  in  behalf  of  the  afflicled  and  neceflitous 
in  this  life.  To  prevent  their  being  forgotten  or 
Sighted,  the  wife  and  merciful  Creator  hath  implant- 
ed in  men  a  quick  and  tender  fenfe  of  companion, 
which  ever  ftands  ready  to  be  their  friend  and  to 
plead  their  caufe,  and  which  conftrains  us,  according 
to  our  ability,  and  fometimes,  where  the  feelings  are 
ftrong,  even  beyond  it,  to  fuccour  and  relieve 
them. 

3.  Bv  doing  good  in  the  manner  we  have  men- 
tioned under  the  third  head   of  difcourfe,    we   (hall 


MASONIC  SERMO\T. 


*9 


ferve.  in  the  mod  effe&ual  manner  in  our  power,  the 
intereus  of  our  country.  And  who  is  there  that  does 
not  feel  the  perfuaflve  force  of  this  motive,  at  this  pe- 
riod of  danger  and  anxious  expectation  ?  If  there  be 
any  fo  deluded  or  degrcded  as  to  prefer  a  foreign  gov- 
ernment to  our  own,  as  to  advocate  and  cherifh  a 
philofophy  and  influence  of  exotic  origin,  in  their 
nature  atheiflical  and  lincentious,  which  are  fecretly 
Undermining  and  proftratiug  every  thing  that  is  ex- 
cellent in  our  government,  religion  and  morals — with 
fuch  perfons  the  motive  we  have  fuggefled  can  have 
no  influence.  But  I  will  not  fufpeel:  any  individual 
in  this  numerous  Aflembly  capable  of  fo  much  prof- 
ligacy and  bafenefs,  I  feel  a  confidence  that  we  all 
love  our  country  and  prize  our  privileges,  and  that 
we  ftand  ready  to  defend  them  in  our  feveral  fixa- 
tions, with  our  talents  our  fortunes  and  our  blood. 

4.  Another  motive  to  the  duty  we  are  recom- 
mending is,  that  by  doing  good  and  communicating 
to  the  relief  of  our  diftreffed  brethren,  we  do,  in  the 
higheft  degree  we  are  capable  of,refemble  God,  in  that 
attribute  which  he  efteems  his  greatefr  glory.  "Cod 
is  good  and  doeth  good,  and  his  tender  mercies  are 
over  all  his  works/'  We  alio  imitate  the  fpotlefs 
and  divine  Savior,  who  "went  about  doing  good," 
and  ^herein  "has  fet  us  an  example  that  we  fhould 
follow  his  fleps."  1 

Finally,  doing  good  is  the  moft  fubftantial 
part  of  four  holy  religion  ;  and  when  it  is  the  fruit  of  a 


20  DR.  MORSE'S 


renewed  and  holy  heart,is  the  mod  acceptable  facri&ca 
we  can  offer  to  God.  "  With  fuch  Sacrifices,  God  is 
well  pk-afed."  "  He  hath  (hewed  thee,  oh  man  (faid 
the  prophet]  what  is  good,  and  what  doth  the  Lord 
thy  God  require  of  thee  but  to  do  ju  lily  and  to  love 
mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God  ?"  More 
than  bare  jultice  is  required  of  us  j  we  muft  be  merci- 
ful. It  has  been  aflerted  that  "he  who  is  rigidly  juft 
in  all  cafes,  has  no  religion  at  all."  Let  the  few  mo- 
tives we  have  briefly  fuggefted  perfuade  and  animate 
us  to  a  diligent  and  faithful  performance  of  the  high- 
ly important  and  ufeful  branch  of  duty  inculcated  in 
the  text. 

I  shall  conclude  f his  difcourfe  v.-itha  fhort  ad- 
'  drefs  to  the  refpecfable  Society  of  >/lafonic  brethren, 
by  whofe  invitation  I  am  prefent  on  this  occafion. 

BRETHREN    AND   FRIENDS. 

Ycu  are  this  day  to  be  conftituted,  agreeably  to 
Mafomc  forms,  a  Society  of  brother?..  May  brother- 
ly iove  cement  your  union,  and  difFufe  its  fweet  favor 
through  all  your  deportment.  The  principles  of 
Mafonry,  and  the  rules  by  which  the  members  of  this 
ancient  and  honorable  Fraternity  profc'ifed)}'  regulate 
their  conduct,  fo  far  as  they  appear  in  their  prime  1 
works,  are  calculated,  if  duly  regarded,  to  make  good 
citizens  and  good  men. 

With  the  fecrets  of  your  Order,  not  being  my- 
felf  a  Mafon,  I  am  of  coutfe  ignorant.  It  is  hoped 
that,  however  unprofitable  they  are  to  thofe  xuithoi:l. 


MASONIC  SERMON.  21 


they  are  innocent  and  ufeful  to  thofe   within.      We 
pre  fume  they  are  thought  tobefo  by  every  true  Ma- 
fun,  or  they  would  in  c/iarity,  which  is    a   high   Ma- 
Tonic   duty   be  divulged  for  the   benefit   of  others. 
Secret  tranfa&ions,    fuch   is   the  conftitution  of  the? 
human  mind,  always  excite  curiofdy  and  frequently 
Jitfpicion  in  the  uninitiated.   It  is  for  you,  rny  friends, 
by  your  good  works,  to  allay  a\\fufpicions,if  you  can- 
not gratify  our  curiofdy.         The   fccret    fprings    and 
movements   of  your  inftitution    being  kept   out  of 
fight,  we  have  no  other  criteria    by    which  we   may 
judge  of  the  nature  and   value  of  your   inftitution, 
than,  hy  your  fruits.       According   as    thefe  (hail,    in 
general,  be  good  or  bad,  the  world  will,  and    have  a 
right  to,  think  well  or  ill  of  Free    Masonry.        By 
thete  criteria  we  do,  and  mull,  judge  of  ail   inftitu- 
tions,    the   Cbriftian  Church   not  excepted.       The 
pureft  aud  mof:  ufeful  inflations  are  Iiable,in  times 
of  great  and  general  depravity,    to  become   corrupt 
and  have  been  grofsly    corrupted,    and  its  members 
have  depar'ec*    effentially    from  original   principle  > 
*n  fuch  cafes  all   innovations   will   be  disavowed  by 
the  true  and  pure  members,  fo  that   the    corruptions, 
and  not  the  pure  principles  of   the    original   inftitu. 
tfdri,  will  be  the  objefts  of  cenfure. 

From  the  many  refoeaable  and  diflinguiilicd- 
characters  who  have  been,  and  ftiU  are,  members  o| 
:±iis  fraternity,  and  from  its  fnms  in  this  free  mi    -•- 


22  DR.  MORSE'S 


lighted  country,  we  have  reafon  to  judge  favorably  of 
the  institution,  as  it  exifts  among  us.  It  is  in  your 
power,  my  brethren,  as  Chriftians,  as  Men  and  as 
Mafons,  to  do  much  good  in  the  feveral  ways  men- 
tioned in  the  foregoing  difcourfe.  The  peculiar  con- 
ftru£tion|  and  regulations  of  your  Society,  and  the 
intimate  connexion  and  intercourfe  of  its  branches., 
enable  you  to  be  of  great  advantage  to  one  another, 
mid  to  the  community,  in  cherilhing  the  friendly, 
benevolent  and  focial  feelings ;  in  communicating  to 
the  relief  of  the  needy  and  diftreffed;  in  promoting 
civil  order  and  due  fubordination  to  lawful  author- 
ity j  in  {lengthening  the  hands  of  good  rulers  ;  in 
checking  the  growth  and  fpread  of  diforganizing 
principles  ;  in  diffufing  a  patriotic  fpirit;  in  fupport- 
ing  all  wife  and  ufeful  institutions,  whether  of  a  reh\ 
gious,  focial  or  literary  kind  ;  in  countenancing  and 
encouraging  among  your  members,  induflry,  econo- 
my and  temperance,  and  in  difcouraging  the  oppo- 
site vices  of  idlenels,  intemperance,  gaming,  profan- 
ity, andlicentioufnefso 

From  the  charge  you  receive  at  your  initiation, 
it  appears  that  you  hold  yourfelves  "  bound  to  a 
ftrict  obfervance  of  the  moral  law  as  contained  in  the 
T:oly  writings ; — to  confider  thefe  writings  as  the  un- 
erring (landard  of  truth  andjuftice;"  and  that  you 
come  under  obligations  to  "  regulate  your  lives  and 
aflions  by  their  divine  precepts,  and  to  be  cjuiet  and 


MASONIC  SERMON.  2.3 


peaceable  fubje&s,  true  to  your  government  and  juH 
to  your  country."  You  are  fblemnly  cautioned 
againft  every  thing  which  tends  to  the  "corruption 
of  good  manners."  You  are  exhorted  "  on  every 
occafion  to  beware  of  thofe  who  may  artfully  endeav- 
or to  infmuate  therofelves  into  your  eileenf,  with  a 
view  to  betray  your  virtuous  refolutions,  or  make 
you  fvverve  from  the  honorable  principles  of  your 
inflitution  ; — not  to  furTerintereft,  favor  or  prejudic- 
es to  bias  your  integrity,  or  to  influence  you  to  be 
guilty  of  a  wicked  or  dilhonorable  action,  and  that 
the  whole  feries  of  your  conduct  be  regular  and  uni- 
form, and  your  deportment  fuitable  to  the  dignity  of 
your  laudable  profeffion."  Adhere  ftricily  to  thefe 
principles  ;  fulfil  with  fidelity  thefe  obligations  ;  re- 
gard attentively  thefe  cautions, and  you  will  aiTuredly 
be  good  Mafons,    good  Men  and  good  Christians. 

Finally,  brethren,  let  me  exhort  you,  as  be- 
cometh  Christians,  to  exercife  yourfelves  to  "  have 
always  a  conference  vcid  of  offence  towards  God  and 
towards  men."  "  By  patient  continuance  in  well 
doing,  feek  for  glory  and  honor  and  immortality.** 
So  will  you  befl  honor  your  inititution,  in  the  view 
of  the  world  ;  vindicate  it  againit  fufpicious  and  evil 
reports  j  promote  your  own  individual  comfort  and 
happinefs  in  this  life;  be  moll  ufeful  to  your  friends, 
your  country,  and  mankind  ;  and  what  is  more  than 
all,  in  humble  reliance  on    the   merits    of  the    divine 


$4         PR,  MO^$g^J^(Wir JSERNJONT. 

Saviour,  be  fair  candidates  for  admiflion  into  thai! 
beautiful  and  glorious  city  above,  •'  whofe  ftreetsare 
gold,  whofe  gates  are  pearl,  and  whofe  foundations 
are  precious  flones." 


AMEN. 


REV.    BROTHER   RIPLEY'* 


PRAYER 


AT  THE   FOREGOING 


INSTALLATION. 


TO    Tilt 


Etg|>t  Worshipful 

MASTER,  WARDENS, 


OTHER 


OFFICERS  &  BRETHREN 


OF 


Corintinau  SoUjj^ 

BRETHREN, 

THE  approbation,  which  you  have  exprefed,  of 
my  publk  performance,  on  the  day  of  Inf  dilation,  far  ex- 
ceeds my  expectation.  I  confent  to  its  publication  in  com.' 
pany  with  Doctor  Morse's  excellent difcourfe,  in  deference 
to  the  opinion  and  polite  attention  of  the  Lodge,  to  whom 
I  am  an  obliged  brother, 
and  very  humble  Servant, 

EZRA   RIPLEY. 


PRAYER. 


\J^  THOU  fupreme  Architect  and  Lord  of  the 
univerfe,  we  adore  thee,  as  infinitely  great  and  good  : 
And  while  thy  greatnefs  impreiTes  us  with  the  pro- 
founded  reverence  and  awe,  thy  goodnefs  infpires  us 
with  ardent  hope  and  love  towards  thee,  our  God. 
Thou  art  the  eternal  Source  of  light  and  wifdom,  of 
truth  and  love :  Thou  didft,  at  firft,  command  light 
toftiine  out  of  darknefs  ;  thou  giveft  man  underftand- 
ing;  thou  required  of  him  truth  in  heart  and  life; 
and  by  the  unparalleled  difplay  of  thy  love,  thou  haft 
indiffolubly  obligated  and  powerfully  conftrained  him 
to  love  his  Maker  and  his  fellow-men.  Under  an  im- 
pieflive  fenfe  of  divine  love,  we  would  now.  by  the 
aid  of  the  eternal  Spirit,  as  men,  as  Mafons,  and  as 
Chriftians,  follow  up  its  delightful  dreams,  through 
thy  holy  Son  jelus,  to  thyfelf,  the  inexhauilable 
Fountain,  with  the  pureft  fentiments  of  devotion  and 
praife,  of  which  we  are  capable. 


4  ^ BR.   RIPLEY'S 

Almighty  Makes,  of  heaven  and  earth,  wifdorh, 
Jlrengtd  and  beauty  characterize  ail  thy  works,  and  by 
thcfe  immutable  pillars  the  vaft  temple  of  nature  is 
fuppoited.  All  thy  works  praife  thee,  and  thy  faints 
blcfsthee!  Thou  haft  ftretched  out  the  canopy  of 
the  heavens,  as  a  curtain  j  thou  haft  ine*fured  the 
earth,  and  bounded  the  feas.  With  pleafing  won-: 
cier  and  devout  admiration,  we  contemplate  the  or- 
der and  harmony,  grandeur  and  utility  of  thy  works, 
and  celebrate  the  praifes  of  the  great  Creator  for  his, 
niatchlefs  {kill  and  immenfe  benevolence.  We  offer 
thankf^-ving  to  God  for  our  rational  exigence  and 
Jocial  faculties  j  that  we  are  deftmed  for  ufeful  and 
i ■eligious  cxercife  and  fublime  enjoyment ;  and  that 
thou  haft  made  our  duty  and  our  happinefs  toconfif^ 
< -Lentially  in  love  to  thee  and  love  to  men.  \Ve  are 
ibankful  for  the  evidences  of  thy  being  and  perfec- 
tions, which  are  im.prefied  on  aj.1  the  works  and  ope? 
rations  of  thy  hands,  and  that  by  thefe  we  are  daiiy 
inltructed,  apd  inceifantly  recalled  from  the  creature 
to  the  Creator.  We  thank  thee,  that  in  our  moral 
nature  we  feel  fentiments  of  Deity,  ««  a  peculiar  ref? 
ervation  lor  God,"  and  difpoiition  to  devotion.. 
Our  immortality  and  mortality,  the  weaknefles  and 
the  energies  of  our  nature,  unite  to  direct  our  fouls  to 
the  Author  of  our  exiltence,  as  cur  pre  fen  t  help  and 
future  falvation.  We  admire  and  rejoice  in  thofe 
divine  eftablifhrnents  in  the  natural  and  moral  world^ 
••hich   attach   man    to  Deity,  and  man  to  man,  ancj 


MASONIC  PRAYER.  5 

which  teach  us  in  language  the  moll  perfpicuous  and 
fimple,  thatfincere  piety  and  a&ive  benevolence  con- 
du€t  to  happineis,  to  heaven  and  to  God. 

We  rejoice  in  thy  benignity,  O  God,  in  that 
thou  haft  difpofed  men  to  combine  and  afibciate,  the 
more  effectually  to  fecure  individual  and  focial  en- 
joyment, to  fupply  the  wants  of  the  neceffitous,  and 
to  erect  barriers  againft  the  corrupt  lufts  and  paffions 
of  the  wicked.  With  gratitude  we  acknowledge  the 
fmiies  of  Heaven  on  the  fociety  of  Free  and  Ac- 
cepted Masons  from  the  morning  of  time  to  the 
prefent  day.  With  facred  joy  we  behold  the  prin- 
ciples of  Masonry  emanating  from  Deity,  and  un- 
folded in  his  works  and  communications;  at  a  view 
of  which,  in  the  firfl  dawn  of  light  and  time,  the 
morning  flars  fang  together,  and  the  fons  of  God 
fhouted  for  joy. 

We  praife  the  Lord  for  ail  the  benefits,  that 
hath  refuked  to  individuals  and  to  mankind  from 
this  ancient  and  benevolent  inftitution  :  And  at  the 
fame  time,  we  lament  before  thee  every  defec- 
tion of  Mafons  from  their  noble  principles  and 
proper  charader.  O  our  God,  infpire  the  Fraternity 
through  the  world,  individually  and  colleS]  vely, 
with  the  genuine  fpirit  of  piety  and  charity,  truth 
and  righteoufnefs,  that  others.feeing  their  good  works, 
may  glorify  God,  and  may  have  no  juft  occafion  to 
fpeak  evil  of  them,  or  of  thofe  myfteries,  which  they 
4o  not  underlland.     Let  a   continual   exhibition   of 


f 


BR.  RIPLEY'S 


1g£  univerfal  piety-  and'  philanthropy  fecure  the  approba- 
lion  of  the  wife  and  good,  fijence  the  tongue  of  flan- 
der,  and  foften  the  mind  of  prejudice. 

Most  .  gracious  God,  we  befeech  thee  to  grant 
thy  benediction  to  all  Mafons  good  and  true,  particu- 
larly to  the  Lodges  in  this  country,  and  in  an  efpecial 
manner,  to  the  ont  in  this  place.  Gracioufly  {mile 
on  its  infant  date,  and  by  thy  light,  truth  and  grace, 
guide  us  in  the  peaceful  and  ufeful  paths  of  wifdoin 
rmd  honor,  of  reafon  and  religion,  until  we  fhall  be 
qualified  for,  and  admitted  into  the  Grand  Celes^ 
n al  Lodge  above,  where  perfect  love  cafteth  out 
fear,  unclouded  truth  forbids  error,  confummate  wif- 
Jora  banilhes  ignorance,  and  eternal  day  difpels  dark- 
.nefs ;  where  there  is  no  need  of  the  light  of  the  fun, 
nor  moon,  for  the  glory  of  God  doth  lighten  it,  and 
the  Lamb  is  the  light  thereof. 

Supreme  Lord  of  providence,  be  propitious  to 
this  affembly,  Sc  grant  divine  aid  and  approbation  to 
the  iolemn  and  joyful  tranfattions  of  this  day.  May 
our  work  be  done  with  order,  our  rejoicing  with  rea- 
fon, and  our  teltivity  with  temperance.  May  we 
live  in  an  mfluencial  belief  of  thine  All-feeing  Eye, 
and  with  a  wife  reference  to  a  future  flate. 

Ever  bleffed  God,  afford  thy  prefence  and 
grace  to  thy  fervant,  who  is  to  inftru£fc  us  from  that 
great  light  of  the  moral  world,  thy  holy  word  ;  and 
to  j^im,  who  is  to  lead  in  the  confecrating  and  clofing 
prayers,  and  to  thofe,  who  are  to  give  charges  of  ft« 


I 

MASONIC  PRAYER, 


delity  to  their  brethren.  Difpofe  us  all  to  receive 
and  obey  the  truth,  and  ever  to  take  thy  word  for 
a  light  to  our  feet,  a  lamp  to  our  path,  a  pcifect  rule 
of  faith  and  practice  :  and  when  thou  (halt  make  ap 
thy  jewels,  may  we  be  found  among  them  clothed  in 
the  robes  of   righteoufnefs  and  glory. 

Our  heavenly  Father,  blefs,  we  pray  thee,  thy 
church  and  people  in  this  place,  Blefs,  we  beieech 
thee,  the  land  in  which  we  live.  O  thou  guardian 
God  of  America,  we  pray  thee  to  take  thefe  States 
United  and  individual  under  thy  holy  protection. 
Save  us  from  foreign  influence  and  invafion.  and 
from  domeftic  diffenftons.  Preferve  to  us  our  na- 
tional independence  and  privileges  civil  and  facreu\ 
Great  fource  of  wifdom  and  power,  continue,  we 
humbly  pray  thee,  to  enlighten  and     ttrengthen  our 


TT 


n- 


Prefident :    direct  and  blefs  the  councils  of  the 
ion,  and  of  the  States.       Unite,  profper  and  blefs  the 
people  of  all  ranks  ;  incline  their  hearts  to  ierve  t\ 
and  make  things  go  well  in  all    our  land. 

Father  of  lights,  fend  forth  thy  light  and  truth. 
to  heal  and  fave  the  nations  of  the  world.  Lfet  the 
fwori  of  war  no  longer  drink  the  blood  of  men  ;  but 
may  fmiling  peace,  with  her  joyful  train  of  ineftima- 
blebleflings,  vifjt  every  country  :  let  knowledge  be 
univerfally  diftufed,  "  liberty  with  order/'  and 
pure  religon  be  every  where  enjoyed,  and  the  whole 
world  be  filled  with  tyuman  happinefs  and  divine 
glory. 


8        BR.  RIPLEY'S  MASONIC  PRAYER. 


Most  merciful  God,  we  implore  the  forgiveneij 
of  our  manifold  offences,  and  complete  redemption 
thro  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  ;  and  wherein  wc 
have  done  iniquity,  let  us  do  fo  no  more.  Enable 
us  to  walk  before  thee  in  love,  and  in  all  goodnefs, 
until  we  (ball  attain  that  chriftian  perfection,  which 
is  enjoined  on  us  by  divine  authority,  and  be  actually 
prepared  for  thy  blifsful  prefence  in  endlefs  glory. 

Now  unto  the  GRAND  MASTER  BUILDER 
of  the  univerfe,  to  the  only  wife  GOD  our  SAVIOR, 
be  glory  and  majefty,  dominion  and  power,  both 
now  and  ever. 


AMEN. 


